TechVenue.com SPECIAL REPORT: BrainWare Safari Educational Software, John Schneider & More

SPECIAL REPORT: "BrainWare Safari Software For Chicago School Kids - A Trip To Success" This week I was privileged to be in attendance at Joe Marchetti’s restaurant to meet an impressive group of business people and a company with strong convictions and belief in their products. BrainWare - the flagship product of Learning Enhancement Corporation (LEC), ( http://www.brainwareforyou.com ) is a shining example of a Midwest company pulling the right people and support together for not just new product, but a new movement, in educational products. It was also very refreshing to learn that this company funded & built itself up with committed people they know personally, not by running to the nearest venture capital firm. The mix of individuals this evening worked like a well tuned orchestra - you had everyone from, of course, the CEO of Learning Enhancement Corporation and his section - based in Chicago on Wacker Drive, to Jann Honore, area development director for the United Negro College Fund, to "our very own" Merri Dee, Director of Community Relations and WGN-TV's Children's Charities, to Peter Kline, Author of "Why America's Children Can't Think", various Doctors of Optometry and people of other disciplines were there and finally Mr. John Schneider, of Mr. Kent in Smallville and "Bo" Duke of Dukes of Hazzard fame was there to support getting the word out about this company and it's products... John Schneider & David Flint The BrainWare Safari CharactersJordan Community School's Principal, Myself, and WGN's Ms. Merri Dee Laptops running the software for all to try out......What struck me as so encouraging about Mr. Schneider was his personal belief and convictions about the product and the impact it has on the person using it. He is a genuine man who does not flippantly choose things to support, as is evidenced by his work (Approx. $3 Billion Raised) since the inception of the Children's Miracle Network ( http://www.cmn.org/ ) and his well informed comments you'll hear in our exclusive interview with him a few more minutes into this Podcast. The numbers appear to back up these convictions. Outcomes are becoming more the rage nowadays, where the real impact can be identified both quantitatively and qualitatively. One example of outcomes, as measured by pre- and post-testing with the Woodcock-Johnson III Cognitive Battery, showed significant growth for the a testing group using BrainWare Safari: 4 years and 2 months average improvement in cognitive skills, compared to 4 months improvement for the control group. 1 year and 11 months average improvement in tests of achievement (reading and math) compared to 1 month for the control group. Learning Enhancement Corporation earlier in the day had donated thousands of dollars worth of software and support to Jordan Community School in Chicago. The students will benefit from about 30 workstations set up with BrainWare Safari. It's great to see a company have a heart for children in such an area of need - education - that crosses and serves all socioeconomic levels of society. It makes sense that a company like this would take root in the "Heartland". More Info: Learning Enhancement Corporation (LEC) (BrainWare Safari) 200 S. Wacker, Suite 3100 Chicago, IL 60606 877-BRAIN-10 (877-272-4610) brainware@lecforyou.com http://www.brainwareforyou.com MP3 File Link: http://TechVenue.com/PODCASTS/BrainWare2006.mp3

TechVenue.com's Business Technology News, Networking & Events - Friday, March 17th

TechVenue.com's Business Technology News, Networking & Events Friday, March 17th - Happy St. Patricks Day! We were featured in an interview on a Chicago radio station last week which covers all topics related to jobs, careers, etc. - so we were thrilled to have the chance to talk about our services and calendars, such as the Northern Illinois Job Clubs & Networking Support Groups calendar. You'll hear the interview next in this Podcast, with the report following. _____________________________________________________________________ FEATURED ORGANIZATION: http://www.networlding.com A system for networking, building relationships with a commitment to community, and developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. _____________________________________________________________________ EUROPE: NEWS OF THE WEEK (NOW): EasyTel.Net announced today that it has expanded its international network to England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, with new local Public Access Numbers in 115 cities, reaching over 80% of the population centers in the UK and Ireland. Introduced in 2002, the company's GenieNet private VOIP network currently provides local access in about 3,000 cities and communities in the United States and the five major markets in Australia. Event Of The Week (EOW): St Patrick's Day, of course. _____________________________________________________________________ NEW YORK: Event Of The Week (EOW): Monday, March 20 2006 6:00pm - 8:00pm NYSIA International Council: Trends in Business Continuity - Partner With Canada How to partner with Canadian IT companies to grow your North American business. Six leading business continuity/disaster recovery tech companies from Ontario, Canada will be in town March 20 and are looking to partner with New York IT firms to mutually develop their North American market. Come hear about technology trends in Canada, the tech hotspots in Canada, and how to partner with an international partner so both parties enhance their business. REGISTER HERE: http://www.nysia.org or call (212) 475-4503 _____________________________________________________________________ BOSTON: Event Of The Week (EOW): ORGANIZATION NAME: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) EVENT NAME: CEO East - Collegiate Entrepreneurship Conference EVENT START DATE: 3/25/2006 8:00:00 AM EVENT END DATE: 3/25/2006 5:00:00 PM EVENT LOCATION: Crowne Plaza Worcester, 10 Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA USA EVENT REGION: US - Northeast EVENT THEME: Entrepreneurial/Financing EVENT DESCRIPTION: A one-day collegiate conference on starting and growing a business. EVENT PURPOSE: Students, faculty, business community EVENT SPEAKERS: To be announced EVENT COST: Students $25; Non-students $75; At the door: add $15 EVENT RELATED WEBSITE: www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/MGT/CEI/CEOEast/ EVENT CONTACT NAME: Gina Betti EVENT CONTACT PHONE: 508-831-5761 CONTACT EMAIL: gbetti@wpi.edu RSVP PHONE: 508-831-5075 RSVP EMAIL/LINK: gbetti@wpi.edu MUST ONE RSVP?: Yes! INVITATION ONLY?: No PROPER ATTIRE: Business Casual REFRESHMENTS: Full Meal Included BUSINESS CARDS: YES - Bring Business Cards EVENT NOTES: Spend an interactive day with company presidents, founders, CEOs and peers in business. Learn about start-ups, elevator pitching, sales skills, networking, building the team, negotiation, leadership, marketing, e- commerce, financing - and more - in an eight-hour event called CEO East at the Crowne Plaza Worcester, 10 Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA. REMEMBER: Entrepreneurship isn't just for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial skills are life skills that will go to work for you in any career. ORGANIZATION NOTES: "CEO" stands for Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization. It is a premier entrepreneurs' network serving colleges and universities worldwide. CEO East is a regional event that was spawned from a successful CEO national event. The roots of CEO go back to 1983, when a student meeting was held in Chicago to discuss the development of a national entrepreneurship organization for college students. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Gerry Hills, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Twelve students, representing seven area universities, attended. Also participating was Mr. Verne Harnish, who was working with Dr. Fran Jabara to create the Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs (ACE). At the time of the meeting, entrepreneurship as a field of study was a new concept in academia and very few universities offered coursework in the subject. The students enthusiastically discussed their own entrepreneurial aspirations and how networking across campuses could be beneficial. This meeting planted the seed that led to the Collegiate Entrepreneurs of Illinois Conference in 1984. The conference exceeded expectations with attendance of nearly 400 students from 45 universities. UIC's Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies served as the conference headquarters and faculty and students from DePaul, Loyola, the Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern University assisted in the planning and implementation. The Coleman Foundation contributed generously as a sponsor and has continued that support to date. In 1985, the name of the conference was changed to the Collegiate Entrepreneurs of the Midwest. After years of success and growth, Dr. Hills conducted research into the feasibility of creating a national/global organization. In 1997, the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO), was launched. During the next two years, pilot conferences were held with attendance of more than 700 students representing nearly 100 universities. The Kauffman Foundation joined as a major sponsor in 1999. Kauffman support enabled CEO to add full time staff, and chapters began to appear on more and more campuses across North America. Today, CEO continues to promote its mission "to inform, support and inspire college students to be entrepreneurial and seek opportunity through enterprise creation." The national conference in 2005 drew over 1000 collegiate entrepreneurs! What does CEO do? CEO achieves its mission through conferences, events, a newsletter, blogs, and online networking. The CEO East Collegiate Entrepreneurship Conference is a regional event designed to bring student entrepreneurs, faculty and business leaders together for a day of networking, informative sessions, keynote speakers, the elevator pitch competition, and great food and a great time _____________________________________________________________________ CHICAGO: Event Of The Week (EOW): ORGANIZATION NAME: Association for Information & Image Management (AIIM) EVENT NAME: Storage Management and Records Lifecycle Management EVENT START DATE: 3/24/2006 11:30:00 AM EVENT END DATE: 3/24/2006 3:00:00 PM EVENT LOCATION: 71 S. Wacker Drive – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60607 EVENT REGION: US - Midwest EVENT THEME: Associations/Organizations EVENT DESCRIPTION: This event will provide a snapshot of today’s record management challenges, Topics included Storage Management options, Lifecycle Management options, case examples, and cost modeling of leading high growth applications. EVENT PURPOSE: Record Management, Business Functional Application Teams, Solution Architects, Business Executives and Managers EVENT SPEAKERS: Jim Lancaster, Lou Harvey, EVENT COST: $30.00 AIIM $30.00 ARMA $35.00 Non-member EVENT RELATED WEBSITE: www.aiimchicago.org EVENT CONTACT NAME: Anthony Lopez EVENT CONTACT PHONE: 8479563322 CONTACT EMAIL: anthonylopez@equivus.com MUST ONE RSVP?: Yes! INVITATION ONLY?: No EVENT NOTES: Don’t Miss our March program of the 2005/2006 Season of the Chicago Chapter of AIIM. “Storage Management and Records Lifecycle Management” This event will provide a snapshot of today’s record management challenges, Topics included Storage Management options, Lifecycle Management options, case examples, and cost modeling of leading high growth applications. In addition, this discussion will address current industry standards, new tiered storage options and provide a cost comparison of today’s production based services with the newly recommended “Best Practices in Lifecycle Management” options that are now available. Those involved in Record Management, Business Functional Application Teams, Solution Architects, Business Executives and Managers responsible for addressing the increasing cost of data and information requirements in today’s industry, will benefit from this discussion. Friday, March 24, 2006 11:30am to 2pm at IBM Chicago Now located in the new Hyatt Building 71 S. Wacker Drive – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60607 Agenda: 12:00 p.m. PRESENTATIONS: 12:15 - 12:45 Data Classification of Electronic Records Strategy – by Jim Lancaster, Regional Director, Enterprise Content Evangelist for Hitachi Data Systems 12:45 – 1:15 Records Lifecycle Management Best Practices – by Lou Harvey, Senior Enterprise Solutions Architect for Hitachi Data Systems PANEL: 1:15 - 2:15 Panel Members: Ken Wilborn – Storage Architect for R.J. O’Brien Erik Windischman – Senior Storage Admin for Phillips Steven Givhan – Technical Environmental Analyst for Alexian Brothers 2:15 – 2:30 2:30 – 3:00 Please register at www.aiimchicago.org and click on events. We hope to see you there! 11:30 a.m. Registration / Lunch – Members $30 / Non-Members $35 at the door. Introductions Panel Discussion by End User/Experts Networking – Vendor Exhibits Chapter News/Updates/Wrap-up ORGANIZATION NOTES: Please register at www.aiimchicago.org and click on events. We hope to see you there! _____________________________________________________________________ SILICON VALLEY: Event Of The Week (EOW): ORGANIZATION NAME: Wireless Communications Alliance (WCA) EVENT NAME: Technology Presentations and Networking Meeting EVENT START DATE: 4:00:00 PM EVENT END DATE: 6:00:00 PM EVENT LOCATION: HP In Cupertino, 19091 Pruneridge Ave., Cupertino, CA EVENT REGION: US - Silicon Valley/Bay Area EVENT THEME: Networking Events EVENT PURPOSE: All interested in wireless development and growth in Northern California EVENT SPEAKERS: Wireless professionals from around the world EVENT COSTS: $10 donation at the door EVENT RELATED WEBSITE: http://www.wca.org CONTACT EMAIL: wca@wca.org MUST ONE RSVP?: No INVITATION ONLY?: No ORGANIZATION NOTES: The Wireless Communications Alliance, founded in 1993, is a Silicon Valley-based non-profit business league addressing 2000 individuals and 350+ companies and organizations dealing in wireless technology and markets. The goals of the WCA are to promote education, networking and exchange of non-proprietary information; increase awareness of Northern California’s vast wireless capabilities; and assist a broad spectrum of companies, including start-ups. The WCA organizes monthly meetings with presentations on a wide spectrum of topics including the technical and marketing aspects of wireless products and services, regulatory issues, wireless standards and investor-driven wireless market analysis. The web site, www.wca.org , lists current events as well as past presentations and other pertinent information relating to the wireless space. The WCA is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. _____________________________________________________________________ ONLINE: Event Of The Week (EOW): Noting to speak of right now... _____________________________________________________________________ SPECIAL EVENTS: ORGANIZATION NAME: Colabria EVENT NAME: Enterprise Value Networks EVENT START DATE: 4/7/2006 8:00:00 AM EVENT END DATE: 4/7/2006 6:00:00 PM EVENT LOCATION: UCSF Mission Bay, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, USA EVENT REGION: US - Silicon Valley/Bay Area EVENT THEME: Business Focused EVENT DESCRIPTION: Enterprise Value Networks -- Value Network Analysis EVENT PURPOSE: Enterprise Professionals, Consultants, Experts EVENT SPEAKERS: Verna Allee EVENT COST: $349.00 EVENT RELATED WEBSITE: www.kmcluster.com/sfo/VNW.htm EVENT CONTACT NAME: Sarah Jones EVENT CONTACT PHONE: 978-468-0267 CONTACT EMAIL: sarah@colabria.com RSVP PHONE: 978-468-0267 RSVP EMAIL/LINK: sarah@colabria.com RSVP DEADLINE: April 2, 2006 MUST ONE RSVP?: Yes! INVITATION ONLY?: No PROPER ATTIRE: Business Casual REFRESHMENTS: Full Meal Included BUSINESS CARDS: YES - Bring Business Cards EVENT NOTES: GenIsis Technology and the ValueNet Works™ Fieldbook available for immediate online subscriptions. San Francisco, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) March 12, 2006 -- Colabria®, Euro-Focus and Verna Allee Associates announce immediate online availability of GenIsis Technology and the ValueNet Works™ Fieldbook for value networks (VN) and value network analysis (VNA). Value networks (VN) and value networks analysis (VNA) are new, superior methods for understanding, visualizing and leading in knowledge-based and network-centric business environments. GenIsis and ValueNet Works™ Fieldbook are part of a portfolio of practice offerings. GenIsis is an integrated, standards-based tool suite for value networks and value networks analysis. The Fieldbook provides an easy path for adoption of value networks. Combined, they allow leaders to map quickly and visualize value networks and intangibles for improved business performance and productivity. Value networks are redefining and propelling business in the smartest firms. They provide the roadmap to your network-centric future. Value networks lead mastery of knowledge-based businesses and the knowledge economy. Both GenIsis and the ValueNet Works™ Fieldbook are available by instant online subscription at www.alleevaluenetworks.com/ . The next cluster event activity in this broad industry cooperative partnership is Enterprise Value Networks at UCSF - Mission Bay on April 7, 2006. www.kmcluster.com/sfo/VNW.htm This event sponsored by Cisco Systems. Value networks and value network analysis are becoming commonplace in top global firms. Value networks drive improvements in resource utilization, productivity, innovation and sharply improved performance overall. Some top enterprise users of value networks are Cisco Systems, Boeing, HP, Chevron, Pac Bell, AT&T, Sun, Eli Lilly, Microsoft, Abbott Laboratories, Intel and Siemens. Value networks are popular in diverse institutional settings such as the European Commission, Geneva-based NGOs, the Red Cross and global health organizations. Bestselling author and value networks pioneer Verna Allee will lead your cluster conversations. The action/research sessions are low-cost, practical and conversational. They are for executives, directors and practitioners having immediate needs for improved performance, greater effectiveness, faster innovation, customer delight and mastery of network-centric business. Pricing and Availability Annual subscriptions for the ValueNet Works™ Fieldbook and GenIsis technology portfolio are $1200.00. Just visit the site below for instant access. Use value code VNA41 for an attractive discount. www.alleevaluenetworks.com . Registration for the value networks event, Enterprise Value Networks at UCSF - Mission Bay on April 7, 2006, is open and available now. All are welcome. The event tuition, the full-day learning experience, meals, refreshments, books, campus parking, materials, and registration is $349.00.There are no press passes, student discounts or other mark-downs. Secure online registration in advance required. Visit: www.kmcluster.com/sfo/VNW.htm Contact: John T Maloney Vice President Colabria 1329 Taylor St. San Francisco, CA 94108 USA Tel: 415.902.9676 Fax: 415.276.6074 ORGANIZATION NOTES: The next cluster event activity in this broad industry cooperative partnership is Enterprise Value Networks at UCSF - Mission Bay on April 7, 2006. www.kmcluster.com/sfo/VNW.htm This event sponsored by Cisco Systems. Keywords. Cisco Systems, complex systems, complexity science, Don Tapscott, GenIsis, idea exchanges, Innovation Webs, knowledge markets, ONA, prediction markets, Semantic Web, SNA, social media, social network analysis, Social networks, social tools, value network analysis, value networks, Value webs, ValueNet Works, Verna Allee, Web 2.0, value benchmarks. _____________________________________________________________________ Technology News This Week (TNOW): Physicists announced Thursday that they now have the smoking gun that shows the universe went through extremely rapid expansion in the moments after the big bang, growing from the size of a marble to a volume larger than all of observable space in less than a trillion-trillionth of a second. The discovery — which involves an analysis of variations in the brightness of microwave radiation — is the first direct evidence to support the two-decade-old theory that the universe went through what is called inflation. Brian Greene, a Columbia University physicist, said: "The observations are spectacular and the conclusions are stunning." "The data favors inflation," said Charles Bennett, a Johns Hopkins University physicist who announced the discovery. He was joined by two Princeton colleagues, Lyman Page and David Spergel, who also contributed to the research. Bennett added: "It amazes me that we can say anything at all about what transpired in the first trillionth of a second of the universe." What would really be amazing is if they could show how matter came to be in the first place - I seem to remember someone saying "Let there be light!" ;-) _____________________________________________________________________ Humorous News This Week (HNOW): Movie theater owners faced with falling attendance are considering asking federal authorities for permission to jam cell phone reception in an attempt to stop annoying conversations during films, the head of the industry's trade group said on Tuesday. I have another thing to add - how about a babysitting service run by the theatres - you know, to watch over children while you watch people get blown up! ;-) California prison officials have begun using Global Positioning System anklets to track known gang members. 'Nuff said. ...Have a great weekend and a better week ahead! _____________________________________________________________________ MP3 File Link: http://TechVenue.com/PODCASTS/3_17_06.mp3

TechVenue.com's Blogcast/Podcast News, Networking & Events - Friday March 10th 2006

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http://TechVenue.com

TechVenue.com's Blogcast/Podcast News, Networking & Events

Friday March 10th 2006
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FEATURED ORGANIZATION: NetWorlding



A system for networking, building relationships with a commitment to community, and developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

http://www.networlding.com

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EUROPE:

LATEST NEWS:
Papa John's Announces Sale of Perfect Pizza Chain in the United KingdomWednesday March 8, 10:00 am ET LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2006--Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA - News) today announced the sale of the Perfect Pizza brand in the United Kingdom to Smartfirst Limited. The transaction, completed as a sale of assets, included the sale of all franchise rights and leases related to 110 franchised Perfect Pizza units, as well as a distribution facility.
The purchase price was approximately $13.0 million, with $8.0 million paid in cash at closing, approximately $900,000 to be paid to Papa John's within 12 months...the company will continue to franchise and operate the Papa John's brand in the United Kingdom. There are currently 89 Papa John's restaurants in the UK (86 franchised and three company-owned units), with plans to open as many as an additional 20 Papa John's restaurants in 2006. Papa John's UK has also recently invested in point-of-sale technology and its online ordering capabilities, both intended to enhance the customer ordering experience.

Event Of The Week (EOW):
London will celebrate St Patrick's Day on Sunday 12 March 2006 with a parade and festival in central London. http://www.londonstpatricksday.org.ukTo get involved call 020 7983 4000, or email stpatricksday@london.gov.uk

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NEW YORK:
Event Of The Week (EOW):
The Great Sales and Marketing Debate: The Cagy Sales Veterans Debate the Young Up-and-ComersMonday, March 13 2006 6:00pm - 8:15pm
This one should be fun! Our industry is fixated on the idea of the "new new thing." But do we sometimes miss out on some older ideas and techniques that can help us? In Sales and Marketing, is it true that there is "nothing new under the sun"?
Two of the savviest and most successful veteran sales people in the New York area - in fact, in the whole country - have had enough! The legendary Alan Kaufman, the sales guru behind Cheyenne Software's dramatic rise in the early 90s, and the equally formidable Ed Martino, currently Sprint's Director of Industry Business Solutions and former IBM sales all-star, have issued an open challenge. They will debate ANY TWO of the hot tech industry Sales and Marketing up and comers. What makes a great tech salesman/woman? Has web advertising and the new Web 2.0 techniques made previous "best practices" obsolete?
Don't miss the INTERGENERATIONAL FACE-OFF!!!
WANTED: Young up-and-comers: want to debate Martino and Kaufman? Send your credentials to events@nysia.org, subject line "Debate".
ALSO: Sales and Marketing Elevator Pitch Contest!! 2 minutes of fame - make your best sales pitch in two minutes. The first five NYSIA "industry" members who apply will be accepted for the contest! send your request to Events Manager, Urcella E. Di Pietro at events@nysia.org
Register here: http://www.nysia.org/events/calendar_disp.cfm?me_id=470
or call (212) 475-4503
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BOSTON:
Event Of The Week (EOW):
New! MITX Digital Marketing Series - A select group of Web 2.0 startups will be joined by market leaders Yahoo! and IBM to explore this burgeoning category of digital communications. The panel will address:- How are companies and consumers adopting these new technologies?- What is the real business impact?- What are the implications to future marketing and communications efforts?
Register at http://www.mitx.org
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CHICAGO:
Event Of The Week (EOW):
Chicago Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA)2006 Annual Membership Meeting and Chapter Officer Election and Selecting and Working With Recruiting Firms: Things You Need to Know A Recruiters' RoundTable DiscussionTuesday, March 14 2006 5:30pm - 9:00pm Rock Bottom Brewery 1 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
http://www.icca-chicago.org

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SILICON VALLEY:
Event Of The Week (EOW):
Monte Jade: Annual Conference - The New World - Technology-WiseSaturday, March 18 2006 12:30pm - 10:00pm Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA http://www.montejade.org Monte Jade's objective is to promote the cooperation and mutual flow of entrepreneurship, technology and investment. This provides an opportunity for professionals and corporations on both sides of the Pacific to network and share valuable experiences in investment, opportunities, management, technology and business information exchange.
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ONLINE:
Event Of The Week (EOW):
ORGANIZATION NAME: FrontRange Solutions
EVENT NAME: “How To” Services CRM Web Seminar
EVENT START DATE: 3/14/2006 11:00AM - 12:00PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
EVENT THEME: ONLINE Events
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Are you looking for ways to help make your customer service the best in the industry? EVENT PURPOSE: Discuss key steps to creating consistent positive customer interactions and keeping loyal customers for life.
EVENT SPEAKERS: JoAnna Brandi, customer retention and loyalty industry expert, and Greg Anderson and Paul Peterson, of FrontRange Solutions.
EVENT COST: $0
EVENT RELATED WEBSITE: http://tinyurl.com/dfkhg
EVENT CONTACT NAME: Bob Dirkes
EVENT CONTACT PHONE: 847-279-0022 x237
CONTACT EMAIL: bob.dirkes@techimage.com
MUST ONE RSVP?: No
INVITATION ONLY?: No
EVENT NOTES: Specifically learn ways to: • Develop a centralized repository of customer history to help build lasting relationship • Use functionality to create better customer communications • Attract new customers with service best practices • Determine differences between customer retention and customer loyalty • Create consistent positive experiences to keep customers engaged • Make ways to impact your customer's buying behavior Learn low-cost, high value “touch” strategies you can implement now. Attend this “How to” Services informational webinar and bring back new information to your teams – register today!
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Technology/Career News This Week (TNOW):

IT Hiring Outlook Improves Along With The EconomyRising economic tides appear to be lifting IT hiring boats across the U.S., according to the most recent Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report.

By W. David Gardner (wdgardner@adelphia.net)
Mar 8, 2006 12:25 PM
Rising economic tides appear to be lifting IT hiring boats across the U.S. according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report, released Wednesday. The executive recruitment firm said it had an independent research firm poll 1,400 CIOs in several cities and found that the national average of CIOs who said they plan to hire IT professionals in the second quarter was 8 percent.
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Humorous News This Week:

Absence makes the glass glow fondly Wed Mar 8, 3:20 PM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Researchers have come up with a novel way to keep long-distance lovers in touch -- high-tech wine glasses that glow warmly however far apart the pining couple are. When either person picks up a glass, red light-emitting diodes glow on their partner's glass. When one puts a glass to their lips, the other glass glows brightly.
Distance is not a problem as liquid sensors and wireless links have been built in to the glasses.
Jackie Lee and Hyemin Chung, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's media lab in Boston, said communal drinking is a vital part of social interaction that lovebirds miss out on when separated.
Lee, whose findings were reported in New Scientist magazine Wednesday, said the wireless glasses really do "help people feel as if they were sharing a drinking experience together."
The loving cups are to be unveiled next month at a conference in Montreal on computer-human interaction.

MP3 Link:

http://TechVenue.com/PODCASTS/TechVenue_3_10_06.mp3

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